Durnford, a promising young staying four year old out of the Pat Carey yard, is armed and ready for the local Mornington Cup.

His win in the National Jockey’s Trust Mornington Cup Prelude was the performance of a horse just hitting his straps, coming off a Maiden win at Sale to Listed City Company.

A lightly raced horse with his future ahead, and possibly the best is yet to come, time and patience is now being rewarded.

Carey loves nothing better than training stayers, of course winners is what it is all about, yet he does have a strong affinity for the staying breed.

That was again seen on Saturday at Caulfield with the win, Durnford, by Helenus, the top three year old of his spring season in 2002, a Derby winner like Blackfriars, banished to Western Australia.   

Carey could see the value in Helenus as a sire; with lot of strength in the bottom half of the pedigree, and being by Helissio, who showed a touch of brilliance when winning the Arc at Longchamp.

Durnford on the outside getting the better of Tuscan Fire

His success rate has been extraordinary with the progeny of one particular sire line Ethiopia, Cedarberg and Ulundi provide the answers.

Durnford was ridden the prefect race on Saturday by Kerrin McEvoy, he allowed the gelding to find his feet, let the others lob along until it was time to get down to the business side of the job.

Tuscan Fire came around the turn in what appeared to be a winning lead, he was worn down in the shadows of the post by the winner, Durnford, a promising stayer.

At the presentation